Gutter vs. Rhone: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Gutter" typically refers to a trough along the edge of a roof to carry off rainwater, while "Rhone" is a Scottish term for the same.
Key Differences
"Gutter" is a word familiar to many as it denotes the channel typically situated along the edge of roofs designed for the drainage of rainwater. In contrast, "Rhone" serves a similar function but is chiefly used in Scottish contexts to represent the same structure.
Homeowners worldwide might be familiar with the term "gutter" when considering home maintenance or during rainy seasons when these channels play a pivotal role. Conversely, "Rhone" might ring a bell more with individuals in Scotland or those familiar with Scottish vernacular.
Cleaning a "gutter" is a common household chore, especially in places prone to heavy rain or foliage that might clog these passages. If you were in Scotland, you might hear the same activity referred to as cleaning the "Rhone."
"Gutter" can also possess metaphorical meanings in different contexts, such as being in a "moral gutter" to indicate a low moral state. "Rhone," however, typically remains specific to its architectural context and doesn't share this metaphorical flexibility.
From a linguistic point of view, while "gutter" finds its place in general English vocabulary, "Rhone" stands out as a regional term, showcasing the rich tapestry and variations within the English language.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Channel for rainwater drainage
Scottish term for rainwater channel
Geographical Usage
Commonly used worldwide
Predominantly used in Scotland
Function
Drainage of rainwater
Drainage of rainwater
Linguistic Flexibility
Can have metaphorical meanings
Typically specific to architecture
Origin
General English vocabulary
Scottish vernacular
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Gutter and Rhone Definitions
Gutter
A groove or channel for flowing liquid. Example
The street's gutter was filled with rainwater.
Rhone
An architectural feature in Scottish buildings. Example
Traditional Scottish homes often have a prominent rhone.
Gutter
A channel at the edge of a street or road for carrying off surface water.
Rhone
A Scottish term for a gutter or channel on a roof. Example
The rhone was blocked with moss and needed cleaning.
Gutter
A trough fixed under or along the eaves for draining rainwater from a roof. Also called regionally eaves trough, rainspout, spouting.
Rhone
A trough for directing rainwater away from a building. Example
The rainwater flowed swiftly through the rhone.
Gutter
A furrow or groove formed by running water.
Rhone
A regional term in Scotland for what is commonly called a gutter. Example
While discussing home repairs, he mentioned the rhone needed replacement.
Gutter
A trough or channel for carrying something off, such as that on either side of a bowling alley or that almost level with the water in some swimming pools.
Rhone
A drainage solution for roofs in Scotland. Example
With the frequent rains, having a sturdy rhone is essential.
Gutter
(Printing) The white space formed by the inner margins of two facing pages, as of a book.
Rhone
(Scotland) A horizontal section of guttering, collecting rainwater from a roof.
Gutter
A degraded and squalid class or state of human existence.
Rhone
A major French river; flows into the Mediterranean near Marseilles;
The valley of the Rhone is famous for its vineyards
Gutter
To form gutters or furrows in
Heavy rain guttered the hillside.
Gutter
To provide with gutters.
Gutter
To flow in channels or rivulets
Rainwater guttered along the curb.
Gutter
To melt away through the side of the hollow formed by a burning wick. Used of a candle.
Gutter
To burn low and unsteadily; flicker
The flame guttered in the lamp.
Gutter
Vulgar, sordid, or unprincipled
Gutter language.
The gutter press.
Gutter
A prepared channel in a surface, especially at the side of a road adjacent to a curb, intended for the drainage of water.
Gutter
A ditch along the side of a road.
Gutter
A duct or channel beneath the eaves of a building to carry rain water; eavestrough.
The gutters must be cleared of leaves a few times a year.
Gutter
(bowling) A groove down the sides of a bowling lane.
You can decide to use the bumpers to avoid the ball going down the gutter every time.
Gutter
A large groove (commonly behind animals) in a barn used for the collection and removal of animal excrement.
Gutter
Any narrow channel or groove, such as one formed by erosion in the vent of a gun from repeated firing.
Gutter
(typography) A space between printed columns of text.
Gutter
(printing) One of a number of pieces of wood or metal, grooved in the centre, used to separate the pages of type in a form.
Gutter
(philately) An unprinted space between rows of stamps.
Gutter
(British) A drainage channel.
Gutter
The notional locus of things, acts, or events which are distasteful, ill bred or morally questionable.
Gutter
(figuratively) A low, vulgar state.
Get your mind out of the gutter.
What kind of gutter language is that? I ought to wash your mouth out with soap.
Gutter
(comics) The spaces between comic book panels.
Gutter
One who or that which guts.
Gutter
To flow or stream; to form gutters.
Gutter
(of a candle) To melt away by having the molten wax run down along the side of the candle.
Gutter
(of a small flame) To flicker as if about to be extinguished.
Gutter
(transitive) To send (a bowling ball) into the gutter, not hitting any pins.
Gutter
(transitive) To supply with a gutter or gutters.
Gutter
(transitive) To cut or form into small longitudinal hollows; to channel.
Gutter
A channel at the eaves of a roof for conveying away the rain; an eaves channel; an eaves trough.
Gutter
A small channel at the roadside or elsewhere, to lead off surface water.
Gutters running with ale.
Gutter
Any narrow channel or groove; as, a gutter formed by erosion in the vent of a gun from repeated firing.
Gutter
Either of two sunken channels at either side of the bowling alley, leading directly to the sunken pit behind the pins. Balls not thrown accurately at the pins will drop into such a channel bypassing the pins, and resulting in a score of zero for that bowl.
Gutter
To cut or form into small longitudinal hollows; to channel.
Gutter
To supply with a gutter or gutters.
Gutter
To become channeled, as a candle when the flame flares in the wind.
Gutter
A channel along the eaves or on the roof; collects and carries away rainwater
Gutter
Misfortune resulting in lost effort or money;
His career was in the gutter
All that work went down the sewer
Pensions are in the toilet
Gutter
A worker who guts things (fish or buildings or cars etc.)
Gutter
A tool for gutting fish
Gutter
Burn unsteadily, feebly, or low; flicker;
The cooling lava continued to gutter toward lower ground
Gutter
Flow in small streams;
Tears guttered down her face
Gutter
Wear or cut gutters into;
The heavy rain guttered the soil
Gutter
Provide with gutters;
Gutter the buildings
Gutter
A channel on the edge of a roof for carrying away rainwater. Example
The leaves clogged the gutter, causing an overflow.
Gutter
The sunken space or lane between bowling alleys. Example
He bowled the ball straight into the gutter.
Gutter
A degraded or low state. Example
After losing his job, he felt like he was in the gutter.
Gutter
The space between printed columns on a page. Example
The book's gutter was too narrow, making it hard to read near the binding.
FAQs
What is a gutter used for?
A gutter is used to carry away rainwater from the edge of a roof.
Why is it important to clean gutters or rhones?
Cleaning prevents blockages, ensuring efficient water flow and avoiding potential damage to the building.
Can the word "gutter" have metaphorical meanings?
Yes, "gutter" can imply a low or degraded state, as in "moral gutter."
What materials are gutters typically made of?
Gutters can be made of various materials, including aluminum, steel, copper, and PVC.
Is "rhone" used outside of Scotland?
While "rhone" is a Scottish term, it might be understood elsewhere but is not commonly used outside Scotland.
Can a book have a gutter?
Yes, in print, the "gutter" refers to the space between printed columns or between facing pages of a book.
How is a rhone different from a gutter?
A rhone serves the same function as a gutter but is a term predominantly used in Scotland.
How often should a rhone be cleaned?
It depends on the surrounding environment, but typically at least twice a year – before spring and before winter.
Why is the term "rhone" specific to Scotland?
"Rhone" is part of the Scottish vernacular and showcases regional linguistic variations.
Do all homes need gutters or rhones?
While most homes benefit from them, especially in rainy areas, some architectural styles might not include them.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
